The 16^th-century Thornbury Castle, built during the reign of Henry VIII, is the only Tudor castle in the United Kingdom operating as a hotel and restaurant. Now part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, the Bristol-based castle offers a wide array of new experiences and activities in celebration of the completion of its two-year, multimillion-pound refurbishment.

Catherine of Aragon Suite © Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle History Tours

Serving as home to kings, queens, dukes and duchesses over the centuries, the castle holds many secrets of the past. Join a guided tour with a local historian to explore both the inside and outside of the castle. The tour begins with the historian telling stories of some of the figures who once lived within the castle and the history of the castle from its construction. The tour then ventures to different areas of the castle, in which the historian highlights different details, pointing out aspects visitors might have seen but not necessarily noticed or thought much of before. The tour ends outside in the grounds and gardens where the historian discusses the architecture. Available for hotel guests, tours are £15 per person and must be prebooked.

Falconry

A practice going back at least 2,000 years, falconry was a status of wealth in Tudor England. Today, guests of all ages can take part in this experience. Michael Davie, one of the leading falconers in England, provides fascinating insight into these birds of prey. His commentary accompanies demonstrations with falcons. Tickets are £350 per person and can be booked from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. daily.

© Thornbury Castle

Become a Tudor Queen for a Day

So maybe not like Anne Boleyn or Catherine Howard, but Thornbury Castle invites guests wanting to spend a day living like a Tudor queen to try this new experience. Beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m., guests enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, lady-in-waiting service for the day, a spot of falconry, complimentary mead, chocolates, truffles and refreshments. The experience also sees the guest dress and look just like how a Tudor queen would appear. Once costumed, a professional photographer takes images for the guest to keep. For this experience, prices vary by the number of guests participating. For groups of a minimum of four people, Thornbury Castle can offer a bespoke and private experience.

© Thornbury Castle

Garden Tours & Wine-Tasting Experience

This experience includes a guided walk around the castle, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the castle and its surviving features, including arrow-slit windows and original planting from the Tudor period. Garden tours take place through November and can be prebooked at the hotel reception. The wine-tasting experience is available July–November, with upcoming details available on the castle hotel’s website.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Travel just 30 minutes from the castle to Lady’s Wood Shooting School to learn and try your hand at clay pigeon shooting. The shooting school offers a variety of targets, with more than 30 stands, six on-site towers, many sporting stands, a grouse butt and the legendary Lady’s Wood Extreme Tower. Bookings must be made in advance and a one-hour session starts at £90, cartridges included. For two people, the cost is £65 per person with cartridges.